Stephen Curry is the first NBA star who will sign for the supermax contract, the crossing of a $200 million threshold that eventually will become the norm for the NBA’s biggest superstars.
An eight-year veteran, Curry has been the foundational star for the Warriors, who recently won their second NBA championship in three years.
The Golden State point guard had been on a four-year, $44 million contract, an extension that he signed when there were grave concerns about the sturdiness of his ankles.
While Curry officially was one of the offseason’s top unrestricted free agents, there was never a doubt he would return to the Warriors.
Golden State owner Joe Lacob made that much clear after his team won the NBA title last month.
“We’re going to do whatever it takes to keep Steph here and happy,” Lacob told the Bay Area News Group. “And I know he wants to be here and we want him here. So, I do not anticipate any issues with him staying.” Curry was eligible for a five-year, $205 million extension.
He’s emerged as one of the NBA’s best players — and arguably the greatest pure shooter of all time – since Golden State drafted him seventh overall in 2009 out of Davidson. Now 29, Curry holds career averages of 22.8 points, 6.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game over his eight seasons. He’s led the league in 3-pointers for five consecutive seasons and his career total of 1,917 ranks 10th all time. His career 3-point shooting percentage is 43.8, currently the third-highest all time.
As Curry’s shooting has awed, the accolades have rolled in. He’s a two-time league MVP, a four-time All-Star, and a three-time First Team All-NBA.
He was ranked No. 1 on the list of top available free agents this offseason compiled by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton.
You must log in to post a comment.